Kazakhstan is accelerating the development of satellite internet and preparing for the entry of new operators, officials said at a meeting on telecommunications infrastructure and the implementation of the national «Affordable Internet» project held last week in Astana.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev.
Satellite internet is seen as a key tool for expanding connectivity in hard-to-reach and rural areas. New operators are expected to enter the market in 2026, alongside the rollout of Direct-to-Cell technology, which allows mobile devices to connect directly to satellites without ground-based infrastructure.
Under an investment agreement with Kazakhtelecom, more than 3,000 rural communities are slated to be connected to high-speed internet. Additionally, a «last mile» subsidy project, implemented in partnership with the World Bank, will compensate up to 50% of capital costs for small and medium-sized telecom operators expanding network coverage.
